ASEAN’s humanitarian profile has been strengthened with Norway’s contribution of US$ 1 million. Noting that natural disasters appear to be occurring more frequently in Asia, the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr Surin Pitsuwan, said the contribution will help ASEAN to enlarge its humanitarian profile in natural disasters in the region.

In his letter to the Foreign Minister of Norway, Mr Jonas Gahr Støre, Dr Surin expressed his sincere appreciation to the Royal Norwegian Government and their people for the contribution. He said, “Your support and contribution will greatly contribute to the success of ASEAN and the ASEAN Secretariat in the humanitarian endeavour to help our people in need”.

In May this year, Cyclone Nargis struck Myanmar, resulting in the most devastating natural disaster in the country’s history. The funds will help support activities by ASEAN and the ASEAN Secretariat for humanitarian relief there.